Somali pirates free Indian crew



MUMBAI - All 21 Indian crew members held hostage by Somali pirates on a chemical oil tanker since August have been released safely, officials in Mumbai said. The release of the crew on the MV Fairchem Bogey comes after 17 Indian sailors were among hostages freed from a hijacked Italian vessel late last month after more than 10 months in captivity. Director General of Shipping S.B. Agnihotri declined to comment on reports that a ransom had been paid, but added that 22 Indian sailors remained held by Somali pirates on various other ships in the Indian Ocean.

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